summerlicious anniversary lunch - Bier Markt Don Mills

Location: 7 O'Neill Road, Toronto

Description on Summerlicious site:
Inspired by Belgium's passion and unparalleled reputation for the finer things in life, the Bier Markt brings you the ultimate dining experience; knowledgeable staff guiding you through the art of pairing beer to complement your meal in an atmosphere that balances sociability with sophistication. The dining menu is Belgian-inspired and boasts over 100 beers from over 24 countries.

Price: $20

Appetizers:

   
Paul had the Pork & Fennel Wurst (Kosher pickle, Gouda cheese, mustard, Backerhaus bretzel) while I opted for the Wild Mushroom Soup (wild & tame mushrooms, shallots, fresh herbs, mushroom broth). I loved my soup (really, I love anything with mushrooms) even though it was odd to order a soup on a sweltering hot day. The broth was light, with lots of subtle mushroom flavours and was loaded with a variety of mushrooms. Over on Paul's side, the pretzel was perfectly made and we both really liked the mustard that came with it (sweet, but tangy) and Paul really enjoyed the sausage - it was the perfect amount for an appetizer.

Mains:

   
Paul had the Chicken Schnitzel (panko-crusted chicken breast, Yukon potato mash, braised leeks, green bean sauté, lingonberry jam, demi-glace) while I had the lighter Salmon Niçoise (bibb lettuce, grape tomatoes, green beans, hen's egg, kalamata olives, avocado, fingerling potatoes, tarragon and chervil vinaigrette). I chose the salad because I thought it would be less filling but hidden under all those greens was a MOUND of yummy fingerling potatoes. The salmon was really well cooked - just done with crispy, flavourful skin. Paul's chicken was very generous, nicely breaded and crisped.

Desserts:


Paul and I both had the S'Mores Waffle (milk chocolate ganache, marshmallow meringue, toasted graham crumbs). As soon as we saw this on the menu, we both had to have it and it didn't disappoint. The waffle was crispy and chewy, and the chocolate and marshmallow topping was perfect - not too sweet, but just sweet enough.

Drinks:
We don't always order alcohol with our food (I'm not much of a drinker), but we were at the Bier Markt after all so we definitely had to check out the beer menu. So glad that we did because we both discovered new beers that we really liked - Paul had a Rodenbach while I had a Classic Radler.

Service: 
Impeccable. From the moment we entered the restaurant to the time we left, everyone was friendly, smiling and attentive.

Overall:
Paul and I had a great time. It was our first visit to the Bier Markt and we enjoyed ourselves so much that before the meal was over we already had decided that we'll be back again after Summerlicious is over to try their normal menu.